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From X to Z

From X to Z

Written by: Purple Acorn
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 Welcome to From X to Z, the show that believes you never age out of learning about the world around you. Featuring social media maven Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen, the analyst who puts the X in ‘expert,’ they’re here to talk all things jobs, HR, and trends. So mind the generational gap, this is From X to Z.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • #23 - Rethinking Career Commitment Across Generations

    #23 - Rethinking Career Commitment Across Generations
    Sep 10 2025
    Gen Z is shaking up the workplace with a very different approach to careers—and employers are taking notice. A new survey shows nearly half of Gen Z plans to leave their job within a year, with many averaging less than two years in a role. What does this mean for organizations trying to build loyalty, and for young professionals navigating their early careers? Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen dig into the data, exploring why Gen Z is redefining career commitment and how companies can adapt to a workforce that values growth, purpose, and flexibility over long-term tenure. They challenge assumptions about loyalty, discuss the implications for hiring and retention strategies, and consider how leaders can create environments that inspire people to stay. Whether you’re leading a multigenerational team or rethinking your own career path, this conversation offers sharp insights into the future of work—and why the definition of commitment is changing fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • #22 - What Today’s Workforce Wants From Employers

    #22 - What Today’s Workforce Wants From Employers
    Sep 3 2025
    Work isn’t just changing—it’s transforming before our eyes. From shifting career paths to the growing influence of technology, today’s workplace looks nothing like it did even a decade ago. But what does that mean for employees, leaders, and organizations trying to keep up? Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnen bring two very different perspectives to the conversation—one rooted in the Gen Z experience of entering the workforce, the other shaped by years of analyzing HR trends across industries. Together, they unpack how generational expectations influence everything from job satisfaction to leadership styles, and why listening across age groups is the key to thriving in a rapidly evolving world of work. Whether you’re navigating your first role, leading teams through change, or rethinking the future of talent strategy, this episode offers fresh insights and actionable takeaways for anyone invested in the human side of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • #21 - The 'Gen Z Stare': What Does It Mean? We Can't Ignore It.

    #21 - The 'Gen Z Stare': What Does It Mean? We Can't Ignore It.
    Aug 27 2025
    Hosts Danielle Farage and Mervyn Dinnon tackle the social media phenomenon known as the "Gen Z Stare". Danielle describes it as a flat, zombie-like, and disengaged expression that is often difficult to read, particularly in the workplace or when interacting with customers. Mervyn and Danielle demonstrate the stare before exploring its origins. Danielle cites a TikTok therapist who suggests the stare is a symptom of a larger cultural shift, where Gen Z wants to skip small talk and get straight to the point because pleasantries can be exhausting to them. This shift may be rooted in a decrease in social interactions due to the pandemic and an increased reliance on digital communication. Mervyn agrees that the nature of person-to-person interaction has changed, noting that in the past, small talk was a key part of customer service and positive customer experiences. He believes that with more forms of communication, the era of small talk is fading. Danielle adds that the many different ways to connect, from liking a post to in-person meetings, have created a sense of "superficial connection" that contributes to higher levels of loneliness among young people. The hosts discuss how a manager could respond to the "Gen Z Stare" by being curious and asking if something is going on. Danielle suggests that by offering their own personal tips or narratives, a manager can build trust and earn the employee's attention. Mervyn emphasizes that politeness costs nothing and that in a working environment, it's important to be polite to everyone because you never know when your paths will cross again. He concludes by stressing the importance of maintaining humanity in human resources and not cutting off human interaction in an age of digital communication and AI. Danielle agrees, stating that the ability to make people feel a certain way and inspire them to go above and beyond is a skill that helps ensure job security in a world with AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
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